Pennsylvania officials urge those on Medicaid to reapply

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allowed states to continue providing Medicaid coverage for most people even if they were no longer eligible to receive those benefits. Having the policy in place meant people weren't required to reapply for coverage each year, as they previously had to do.

But the federal policy ended in March, meaning people with Medicare will have to start filling out applications once again to keep their insurance.

While nobody will lose their coverage right away, Pennsylvania's Acting Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh is spreading the word that all Pennsylvanians who use Medicaid will need to reapply for coverage over the next year or risk losing their health insurance.

Arkoosh, a former Montgomery County commissioner, was joined by local officials Monday during a visit to the Berks Community Health Center on Rockland Street in Reading to discuss how the state is working with community partners to help Berks residents maintain health coverage in light of the change to Medicaid renewal.

"We need to ensure that we reach everyone across our commonwealth who needs to redetermine their eligibility for Medicaid," she said. "It's going to take all of us working together. No one of us is going to be able to get the job done successfully."

Arkoosh encouraged those who are currently enrolled in Medicaid to make sure they have all their contact information up to date because they will be hearing from the Department of Human Services several times ahead of their renewal date.

In fact, she said the state is ensuring people receive multiple direct messages starting 90 days before their renewal deadline via email, text and mailings informing them of the changes and how to reapply for Medicaid.

"Having health insurance gives people peace of mind knowing that when they need care it will be there for them when they need it," she said. "Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to affordable, quality health care that helps them live, work, play and thrive."

Berks Community Health Center President and CEO Mary Kargbo said she was pleased to host the important event since nearly 95% of their patients fall below the federal poverty line, and about 60% of those patients are covered through these vital insurance programs.

"We are committed to our community members and have people on staff to help with the process if they need help or have any questions," she said.

State Sen. Judy Schwank said the loss of medical coverage can be devastating for people, and that the state needs to do everything it can to ensure that people understand exactly what is happening.

"We want to make sure everyone is informed about the options available to them," she said.

Schwank and state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who also attended Monday's event, each said that their offices are working in tandem with DHS to make sure their constituents are informed about the situation and to provide information on what they need to do to stay covered.

Cepeda-Freytiz said Medicaid is a personal issue for her. She said she spent several years without health insurance and knows the fear and stress that can cause.

"We have to figure out not only how to get the information out to the community, but how to help people access these programs," she said. "Because health care is a right."

Who needs to reenroll?

Anyone who has been receiving health insurance through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, will need to reenroll.

Everyone's renewal date will be different. In April officials from DHS began contacting people who need to reapply and will continue to do so on a rolling basis for the next year.

When someone is contacted by DHS, they will have 90 days until their renewal is due.

How do I reenroll?

When it comes time to reenroll for Medicaid, individuals will have a few options for how to do so.

Reenrollment can be done through the mail by simply filling out the paper application from DHS and mailing it back using the return envelope included in the renewal packet.

Completed paper applications can also be returned in person at county assistance offices. The offices can also assist individuals in completing their forms.

Renewal applications can be filled out online using the COMPASS website.

Finally, applications can be completed over the phone by calling the DHS Consumer Service Center at 1-866-550-4355.

What happens if I'm not eligible for Medicaid anymore?

Those who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be automatically referred to other sources of coverage such as CHIP and Pennie, Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace, to avoid any lapse in health care.

Individuals will receive communications about other coverage options after their Medicaid cases are closed.

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